Aa
When to Pack for the hospital
about how many weeks should I pack my bag for the hospital, and what do I need to bring?
If you re married bring your marriage certificate. I don't know why but they asked me for mine when we were filling out the thing for her birth certificate. Also I don't know abouty ou, but I wanted to look nice in pics so I brought some light makeup for the eyes lol! ( still looked like crap though :-( ). Since the hospital gives you everything for the baby all you need to bring is the clothes to take him/her out and the car seat. Oh and for you just your clothes for when you leave (can be the same ones you came with, if you don't want to carry extra weight) and toiletries.
I'm 25 weeks tomorrow and got my small suitcase out. Packing it will come as the weeks go by. I like the suggestions everyone has. I will try not to over pack that's for sure! I agree..the toilet paper thing is a good idea...they only have 1 ply usually!
Oh, and 1 more thing I brought that I was SOOO happy I remembered to pack was my own toilet paper.. I brought a 4 pack of my Charmin.. Hospital TP is horrible, and the whole "downstairs" area could use all the extra "comfort" you can provide!! =)
I was packed by week 35. I brought way too much stuff, but I was actually happy (for the first time ever) that I had overpacked. Mostly overpacked for Jaxson. I had like 6 outfits, diapers, thermometers, bandaids, diaper cream, baby lotion, powder.. It was ridiculous. But he was my first and now I now better. I actually think a lot of what you pack has to do with your personality & preferences. I see lots of people brought their laptops. We didn't. We had (in terms of electronics) a camcorder, 2 digital cameras, and our cell phones to take photos and send text messages. That was it. I didn't do the whole FB thing until after I came home. I liked the mesh undies at the hospital and their ginormous maxi pads because I was bleeding soooo heavily. I had purchased some granny panties and maxi pads and brought them, but they didn't cut it. And I personally HATE hospital gowns. After I gave birth to Jax, he had the cord wrapped around his neck twice and was born stressed so they took him immediately. They brought him back to me after I delievered the placenta and I held him until they came back in and said the needed to take him again for a short while. He was about 1.5 hours old, and besides being in love with him, all I could think about was how disgusting I felt..So, they took Jax, and I told Ken to lock the door and I got in the shower with my super wobbly legs and showered and shaved, and put make up on. When I came out the nurse was back in the room and SUPER pi s s ed at me. Apparently I wasn't "allowed" to take a shower yet.. ANYWAY, I was sooo happy to have MY sweatpants, oversized t-shirt, sports bra and sweatshirt on. Thats what I was comfortable in. I also think that it is nice to bring whatever comforts YOU. =) Best of luck, and the lists provided above are really great!
I've always taken a pair of sweat pants or cotton sleep pants and a t-shrit. I usually brign 2 sets. I absolutely HATE the hospital gowns. I would FAR rather wear my own comfy clothing. I just make sure to take things that I don't mind ruining or that I know I can easily get stains out of.
I wore hospital gowns the whole 4 days i was there. and i found them comfy! and wasnt embarrassing. I just wore two of them, one the way they go then one backwards to cover my but. lol.. but seriously if your worried about embarrassment, hospital gowns are your least bit of worry. lol
Packing is overrated :) - I did not realize I was in labor.. never packed a bag.. thought I would be sent home - BUT just in case I threw her homecoming outfit - white pants.. thong underwear.. breast pads for milk leakage.. and I HAD to stop at the gas station to buy maxi pads... Needless to say - my contractions were 1 and a half mins apart when I arrived and had an emergency csectioh. Not sure what the heck I was thinking about the white sweatpants and thong underwear.. this IS my third baby - I was just sooo out of it... My hubby brought me shampoo. conditioner, soap, super huge granny panties my tooth brush and tooth paste... and slippers...oh and black pants and an tee shirt. I really did not need much -had a csection -used the gown for the first 3 days as I could not shower until the bandage was removed.. bled a lot used their mesh things (the only thing that could hold a pad that large) a robe and my cleaning products.... I would suggest packing around 32 weeks just in case.... I had her at 35weeks 4days.
So what did everyone end up wearing while at the hospital for a few days? Just normal hospital gowns? Aren't those uncomfortable and kinda...embarassing if you want to walk around anywhere in the hospital?
Also does the hospital provide outfits for the baby to wear while in the hospital?
Also does the hospital provide outfits for the baby to wear while in the hospital?
The main thing i brought that i was happy I did was my laptop. so i agree with Mom2 Ariana. I spent alot of time on it, uploading pics to facebook and IMing friends, keeping people informed. And def. bring ur phone charger, My labor was a splur thing so I didnt have mine and my phone died from all the txting and stuff before my water even broke lol.. I didnt have toothbrush or anything. Hubby had to go the house after my son was born to get us stuff for the 4 day stay. so we were so unprepared. But I was in denial that i was actually in labor lol. But i agree with the above posters, I just used there gowns and pads and underwear. I must be weird cause i even asked for more to take home with me cause i was more comfortable in there underwear and pads. and they provided us with formula, wipes, baby lotion, diapers, blankets, mitons, baby soap. and all the good stuff for baby..
So Id say camera, batteries, laptop, glasses(im glad i brought mine, my eyes site is horrible and there tvs are so small lol) couple out fits for baby to go home, and going home outfit for u, toothbrush, hair brush, makeup(if u want, i didnt worry about makeup the entire time i was there, i didnt care, I had to right to look like a mess.) And the carseat. lol the rest is just a waste.
And id have it packed and ready by atleast 37 weeks no later!
So Id say camera, batteries, laptop, glasses(im glad i brought mine, my eyes site is horrible and there tvs are so small lol) couple out fits for baby to go home, and going home outfit for u, toothbrush, hair brush, makeup(if u want, i didnt worry about makeup the entire time i was there, i didnt care, I had to right to look like a mess.) And the carseat. lol the rest is just a waste.
And id have it packed and ready by atleast 37 weeks no later!
Thanks Ladies! I guess I will add packing my bag to my list of things to do this weekend.
i would suggest packing lighter than you think...
things i brought but didn't use:
* underwear (i bought a couple packs of cheap granny panties at walmart but wore the mesh..although the granny panties you will want for a few weeks after if your like me and have all nice underwear)
* pajamas (i bled through several hospital gowns so i never put on my own clothes until the ride home)
* makeup (all i put on was bronzer, blush, and mascara the next morning..leave the other stuff)
* picture in a frame (never took it out of the bag to display like i planned on)
* anything other than a onesie and blanket for the baby (everything else is provided and you probably won't need a stocked diaper bag on the trip home..depending on how long it is you won't even be able to get the baby out of the car to change a diaper)
* baby book for footprints (my hospital told me they don't do footprints anymore so i would ask in advance)
Things i packed that weren't mentioned but you might not need or want:
* belly wrap (IF you plan to do this (which i suggest) i put mine on the morning after i had my daughter)
* sports bras (if your not nursing...you will want to wear a couple at a time in case your milk comes in while you are at the hospital..mine started to)
* ace bandages (which they suggest you DONT wrap your breasts if not breastfeeding but i did anyways so i brought these)
* lotion for stretch marks (even though they say you can't prevent them, it doesnt hurt to try and i put lotion on during labor because you can get stretch marks then and after delivery because you can get more when your stomach is shrinking)
* snacks and caffeinated drinks for your partner (YOU can't eat or drink but your partner will get hungry & thirsty during labor...and if its the middle of the night he will get tired)
* laptop (lots of hospitals have free wifi and i used mine during labor and after i had the baby...there will be plenty of downtime believe it or not as newborns sleep almost 24/7 and you might get bored)
other than that i would bring bare necessities because you will be surprised by what you don't use. buy samples of the shampoo, cheap toothbrushes for you and your partner, etc..to throw in your bag so that you can minimize what you have to grab on the way out. I kept a bag with my straightener and blow dyer and a few things i needed at home and for the hospital...and anytime i went somewhere i just took it with me in case i had to go to the hospital...otherwise i kept it packed at home. also i think i packed my bags at 36/37 weeks.
things i brought but didn't use:
* underwear (i bought a couple packs of cheap granny panties at walmart but wore the mesh..although the granny panties you will want for a few weeks after if your like me and have all nice underwear)
* pajamas (i bled through several hospital gowns so i never put on my own clothes until the ride home)
* makeup (all i put on was bronzer, blush, and mascara the next morning..leave the other stuff)
* picture in a frame (never took it out of the bag to display like i planned on)
* anything other than a onesie and blanket for the baby (everything else is provided and you probably won't need a stocked diaper bag on the trip home..depending on how long it is you won't even be able to get the baby out of the car to change a diaper)
* baby book for footprints (my hospital told me they don't do footprints anymore so i would ask in advance)
Things i packed that weren't mentioned but you might not need or want:
* belly wrap (IF you plan to do this (which i suggest) i put mine on the morning after i had my daughter)
* sports bras (if your not nursing...you will want to wear a couple at a time in case your milk comes in while you are at the hospital..mine started to)
* ace bandages (which they suggest you DONT wrap your breasts if not breastfeeding but i did anyways so i brought these)
* lotion for stretch marks (even though they say you can't prevent them, it doesnt hurt to try and i put lotion on during labor because you can get stretch marks then and after delivery because you can get more when your stomach is shrinking)
* snacks and caffeinated drinks for your partner (YOU can't eat or drink but your partner will get hungry & thirsty during labor...and if its the middle of the night he will get tired)
* laptop (lots of hospitals have free wifi and i used mine during labor and after i had the baby...there will be plenty of downtime believe it or not as newborns sleep almost 24/7 and you might get bored)
other than that i would bring bare necessities because you will be surprised by what you don't use. buy samples of the shampoo, cheap toothbrushes for you and your partner, etc..to throw in your bag so that you can minimize what you have to grab on the way out. I kept a bag with my straightener and blow dyer and a few things i needed at home and for the hospital...and anytime i went somewhere i just took it with me in case i had to go to the hospital...otherwise i kept it packed at home. also i think i packed my bags at 36/37 weeks.
I didn't pack everything on the list, but having it incase I forgot something I may want was a nice guide =)
We live 3 miles from the hospital, so we didn't pack anything for the husband he needs to come home to feed the animals anyway.
We live 3 miles from the hospital, so we didn't pack anything for the husband he needs to come home to feed the animals anyway.
Heather mentioned a few things I had forgotten...like eye glasses LOL and pen and paper are the two must haves for me that I forgot. I like to write everything down as it progresses so I don't have to try and remember the timeline afterwards.
The nursing pads are great ideas as well, forgot that too. I forgo the nursing bras and just go with comfy sports bras but it's a personal choice.
The nursing pads are great ideas as well, forgot that too. I forgo the nursing bras and just go with comfy sports bras but it's a personal choice.
wow I just spent 3 days in the hospital heather I wish I had your list before then, LOL. Honestly all of those things are a good idea to bring but you probably won't use most of them...at least that's been my experience, both with the 4 days I spent in the hospital after DD was born and the last 3 days I was in the hospital.
but it's true, whatever extra you bring is a luxury to have and I'm sure it would be nice if you wanted it at 2AM to have, LOL
but it's true, whatever extra you bring is a luxury to have and I'm sure it would be nice if you wanted it at 2AM to have, LOL
LOL Joy!
What i've always brought for me is:
2 sets of my own jammies (in case i get blood on one)
granny panties I get specifically for those messy times of the month LOL I hate those mesh thingies
hair brush
tooth brush
tooth paste
shampoo/cond/body wash
deoderant
(I usually just buy samples of the above to take)
couple pairs of socks
slippers
going home outfit - this should be somethign maternity or stretchy to be sure you are comfortable and can fit into it
something to occupy myself during labor (i usually bring a book to read or sodoku puzzles-something that occupies my mind)
still camera
video camera
extra batteries/memory cards
cell phone so I can call everyone and send pics
makeup but i rarely used it
For Baby:
going home/first pictures outfit-I generally choose 2-3 in diff sizes just in case.
blanket
baby book for the foot prints
carseat (usualy already installed in the car)
diaper bag stocked up for the trip home (can be left in the car)
As joy said pads, diapers, wipes, rash cream, formula, bottles etc are all provided by the hospital. Also if you choose to breast feed but need assistance via pumping most hospital can pumps you can borrow while there to use.
I have usually had my bags packed by 32 weeks and in the car just in case. I also install the carseat about that time too.
What i've always brought for me is:
2 sets of my own jammies (in case i get blood on one)
granny panties I get specifically for those messy times of the month LOL I hate those mesh thingies
hair brush
tooth brush
tooth paste
shampoo/cond/body wash
deoderant
(I usually just buy samples of the above to take)
couple pairs of socks
slippers
going home outfit - this should be somethign maternity or stretchy to be sure you are comfortable and can fit into it
something to occupy myself during labor (i usually bring a book to read or sodoku puzzles-something that occupies my mind)
still camera
video camera
extra batteries/memory cards
cell phone so I can call everyone and send pics
makeup but i rarely used it
For Baby:
going home/first pictures outfit-I generally choose 2-3 in diff sizes just in case.
blanket
baby book for the foot prints
carseat (usualy already installed in the car)
diaper bag stocked up for the trip home (can be left in the car)
As joy said pads, diapers, wipes, rash cream, formula, bottles etc are all provided by the hospital. Also if you choose to breast feed but need assistance via pumping most hospital can pumps you can borrow while there to use.
I have usually had my bags packed by 32 weeks and in the car just in case. I also install the carseat about that time too.
That's so funny that you say that Joy, about 10 minutes ago I told my husband "we have a week to get a bunch of batteries" lol. Batteries, and if you want your own underwear bring old stuff that you don't mind tossing and if you have a preference of pads because they should supply some but they're gigantic. snacks, and all the items you need for your baby (although they'll supply those, you may want your own).
nursing pillow!!
I also recommend hand lotion and chapstick. the stuff that some hospitals have that is supposed to pass for hand lotion dries you out more than not using it in the first place, lol.
I didn't pack my bag until I was about 36wks but as long as you won't need anything in your bag between now and the hospital stay you can pack as early as you want.
nursing pillow!!
I also recommend hand lotion and chapstick. the stuff that some hospitals have that is supposed to pass for hand lotion dries you out more than not using it in the first place, lol.
I didn't pack my bag until I was about 36wks but as long as you won't need anything in your bag between now and the hospital stay you can pack as early as you want.
Ashelen- nursing pillow is a GREAT idea! I brought my Boppy to my third birth and it made nursing so much easier!!!
I just packed mine over the weekend. I felt like I waited too long considering all of my scares, but I found this check list online. Site also noted that women usually have them packed around by around this time (34-36 weeks). =)
Must-Haves:
[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)
[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)
[ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause
[ ] 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)
[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)
[ ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)
[ ] Eyeglasses
[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)
[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
[ ] Pen and paper
[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)
[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)
[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger
[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner
Take it or leave it:
[ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)
[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
[ ] Hairdryer
[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)
[ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)
[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one
[ ] Slippers that can get dirty
[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)
[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)
[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)
Leave Home:
[ ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)
[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)
What to Bring For Baby:
[ ] Approved car seat
[ ] A coming-home outfit
[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)
Must-Haves:
[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)
[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)
[ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause
[ ] 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)
[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)
[ ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)
[ ] Eyeglasses
[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)
[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
[ ] Pen and paper
[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)
[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)
[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger
[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner
Take it or leave it:
[ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)
[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
[ ] Hairdryer
[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)
[ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)
[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one
[ ] Slippers that can get dirty
[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)
[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)
[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)
Leave Home:
[ ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)
[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)
What to Bring For Baby:
[ ] Approved car seat
[ ] A coming-home outfit
[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)
*Don't worry dear friends! We didn't forget our extra camera batteries. Just wanted people to remember to pack extras just in case! You'll want lots and lots of pics of baby.
Many websites, including thebump, have great lists for what you need and don'd need. It is never too early to pack but you may want to have your bag packed by week 36 and either by the front door or in your trunk. Leave a list of "last minute" items to grab on the door (camera, makeup bag, toothbrush) or carry those things in your purse if you leave the house. That way they're always with you just in case!
For me the only thing I really cared about having while in labor was my camera! And our batteries died before I started pushing so bring EXTRA BATTERIES!!!
For post partum care I liked having my own pajamas. But I wore the hospital's pads and fish netty underwear so I wouldn't ruin my own underwear. I tried wearing my own underwear and ruined a couple pairs before I realized I'd just wear the stupid mesh stuff. By the time you leave you're not bleeding as heavily so you can wear your own stuff.
You'll also need going home clothes for you and for baby.
Other than that I just had my makeup and toiletries. I never ever touch anything else and the hospital provides the pads, diapers, wipes, etc.
For me the only thing I really cared about having while in labor was my camera! And our batteries died before I started pushing so bring EXTRA BATTERIES!!!
For post partum care I liked having my own pajamas. But I wore the hospital's pads and fish netty underwear so I wouldn't ruin my own underwear. I tried wearing my own underwear and ruined a couple pairs before I realized I'd just wear the stupid mesh stuff. By the time you leave you're not bleeding as heavily so you can wear your own stuff.
You'll also need going home clothes for you and for baby.
Other than that I just had my makeup and toiletries. I never ever touch anything else and the hospital provides the pads, diapers, wipes, etc.
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